The process of upgrading the water and wastewater systems continues, and the end is still uncertain because of the need for specifics, based on a number of assumptions (yet to be considered), known facts, beliefs and bits of knowledge. The reason for this situation can be associated with lack of information from certain customers. It is also from uncertainty of future needs, coupled with how to pay for those future needs. Additionally, it is imagining the ramifications which may be produced for each option, both negative and positive.
 
Lately as we, the staff, continue to explore, pull the brush away from our line of sight, and attempt to define a specific course of action for the water and wastewater projects, I am reminded of another time. That time is when Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld stated at a press conference in February 2002:

“Reports that say that something hasn't happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns – the ones we don't know we don't know. And if one looks throughout the history of our country and other free countries, it is the latter category that tend to be the difficult ones.”
 
Trust me when I say the context in which Rumsfeld stated those words are not remotely similar to our water and wastewater projects. But they are similar to the essence of the associated uncertainties and unknowns by their very definitions. Attempting to peer into the fog known as the future, it is obvious that there are unknowns that need to be known, and there are unknowns that will never be known until the future becomes the present.
 
In the first paragraph, I used the word “knowledge” in context of uncertainty and this was for a very good reason. What we often considered knowledge is really just “belief.” Or as J. Dancy wrote, “Belief counts as knowledge only if it was acquired by a method that was…reliable.” Of course, one can argue the use of the word “reliable” but for now we’ll accept this statement. The gathering of facts and knowledge may seem straight forward, but it is not. History has shown that the knowledge agreed upon at certain times of our intellectual development was untrue. Examples include belief that the earth was the center of the universe or the earth was flat. Again, I’m not suggesting that the water and wastewater projects are trapped in a knowledge vortex and nothing is certain. I’m stating that assumed facts (which make up our core of knowledge) is not always clear and succinct. Along with the discussion of unknowns, there is the question of what we know or the knowledge we believe we possess. Are the knowledge and facts we are basing decisions on correct?  
 
By their own success, the growth of CDF and fairlife has placed a great deal of importance, or weight, on making the correct choices based on the knowledge known today. Which prompted me to dust off the words of Rumsfeld again to help explain the apparent drawn out process all parties find themselves in each week. Everyone wants to make the right choice not only for today but for the next 25 years. The sheer number of unknowns have increased and with that comes pause and gaps to progress. We’ll get there and when we do, the goal will be to remove many of those unknowns and solidify our knowledge base.  
 
 
REMEMBER, one last time, mark your calendars for the Joint Council, Planning Commission, and DDA meeting on Monday, December 12 at 6:00 PM. It will be held in the Heritage Center of the Community Services Building at 182 East Street. Note the start time will begin an hour earlier than regular council meetings.
 
This is my last memo for 2016. I want to wish everyone a wonderful Holiday Season and the best New Year. I know it’s not considered culturally sensitive or politically correct, but I do wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I also wish everyone of different faiths (or not) a joyous Holiday Season and a Happy New year as well. It’s also a perfect time of the year to embrace and celebrate what we have in common rather than dwell on the other. The human race has done some extraordinary things in our brief existence on this planet, so let’s all hug and “raise a glass of cheer”!
 
Have a safe weekend and we’ll all see each other Monday night at 6:00 PM at the Heritage Center of the Community Services Building.


WWTP Upgrade

No NEW information is available at this time. We are still waiting for CDF to respond to the city’s proposal options. PLEASE REVIEW MEMO OPENING COMMENTS.
 
LAST MEMO: CDF and fairlife have received two proposals from the city to review and provide comments and questions on the attributes of each. My expectation is they will provide me with their response tomorrow Friday or early next week. Once that is done, the Utility Advisory Committee will be brought together to discuss the options and weight in on what best fits Coopersville financially and functionally. As always, please contact me if you have any questions.
 
 
Water Project Phase I

No new updates at this time on the project itself. However, Keri Rogers and I have been discussing financing options not just on this Water Project, but also how best to maybe refinance another bond that that we have with a slightly higher percentage rate than what is currently available.

Post elections have protests occurring in numerous cities across this country. Specific groups, individuals, and organizations are concerned, worried, uncertain, angry and afraid of what will happen when the President-Elect takes office. On the flip side, there is a significant sigh of relief as many now “feel” they have been heard and are filled with hope and optimism for the future and await the moment the President-Elect takes the oath of office.
 
As I listen and view the many scenarios of reaction and witness individuals express such outrage and emotionally charged rhetoric, I can’t help but think of Carl Sagan, American astronomer, cosmologist, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, author, and the list goes on. As we already know in the early 1980s, Sagan co-wrote and narrated the PBS television series “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage.” It was thoroughly fantastic, mystical, and intellectually stimulating in ways never experienced before and it altered the way we understood and perceived the universe and our place within it. Just as an FYI, it has recently been re-produced for National Geographic Television, which is also quite well done.
 
Anyway, the reason I bring all of this to our attention is that he developed a “Cosmic Calendar” to help the layperson grasp the magnitude of time from the “big bang” to present day, after all the universe is approximately 13.8 billion years old, obviously a VERY, VERY, long time. I say this in all seriousness because 13.8 billion years is difficult to get your head around in context of our own lives. So, what Sagan did was to condense 13.8 billion years into one calendar year. He had midnight of January 1 as the moment the big bang took place. The following is an edited breakdown of our Cosmic Calendar:
 
January 1, 12:00 Midnight:                           The Big Bang
January 22:                                                  First galaxies form
March 16:                                                     The Milky Way Galaxy is formed
September 2:                                                Our Solar System is formed
October 29:                                                  Oxygenation of Earth’s Atmosphere
November 9:                                                 Complex Cells
December 7:                                                 Simple Animals
December 26:                                               Mammals
December 31 at 6:05 PM:                             Apes Appear
December 31 at 11:44 PM:                           Domestication of Fire
December 31 at 11:55 PM:                           Beginning of Most Recent Glacial Period
December 31 at 11:59.33 Seconds:              End of Ice Age
December 31 at 11:59.53 Seconds:              Iron Age
December 31 at 11:59.58 Seconds:              Renaissance in Europe, Classical Music to the Time of Johann
                                                                                Sebastian Bach
December 31 at 11:59.59 Seconds:           Modern History; the last 437.5 years before the present
[Carl Sagan, The Dragons of Eden (1977)]
 
The juxtaposition of 2016 post-election reactions with Sagan’s Cosmic Calendar may initially seem ignorant, irrelevant and confusing. But the point is rather simple: We pour too much worth, meaning, and value into events without placing those events into perspective of time and the successful progression of our existence in this vast and complicated universe. My father used to always say, “This too shall pass” as my brothers, sisters and I would emotionally hyperventilate about some event that happened at school, with our best friend, or with each other.
 
Of course, our lives have meaning; human events have extraordinary meaning. The existence of life in the universe is truly an amazing and often incomprehensible thing. Our existence, our lives provide the very means, the vehicle, to experience and report on the essence of the universe’s evolution, its expansion, and its many wonders. But one event, such as the 2016 Presidential Elections, in context of our place in the universe should be tempered a bit. We all live, love, cry, work, play, and interact on a tiny blue globe that circles a sphere of hot plasma in a solar system on the fringe of the Milky Way Galaxy surrounded by billions of other galaxies. Let’s enjoy our stay and embrace the wonders of our lives, as “this too shall pass” and sadly all too quickly. Just a thought…
 
Now in our corner of the universe known to many as the City of Coopersville, we have a city council meeting November 28, 2016 at 7:00 PM. Mr. Jeff Sluggett (City Attorney) will be in attendance to assist in the explanation and discussion on the Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) issue.
 
One last time, mark your calendars for the Joint Council, Planning Commission, and DDA meeting on Monday, December 12 at 6:00 PM. It will be held in the Heritage Center of the Community Services Building at 182 East Street. Enjoy the last days of autumn before winter takes residence for the next few months. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving in whatever manner you celebrate the occasion. We have much to be thankful for in this country even though there is much sadness and danger around the world. See you Monday night.
 
 
WWTP Upgrade
No NEW information is available at this time. We are still waiting for CDF to respond to the city’s proposal options.
 
LAST MEMO: CDF and fairlife have received two proposals from the city to review and provide comments and questions on the attributes of each. My expectation is they will provide me with their response tomorrow Friday or early next week. Once that is done, the Utility Advisory Committee will be brought together to discuss the options and weight in on what best fits Coopersville financially and functionally. As always, please contact me if you have any questions.
 
 
Water Project Phase I
No new updates at this time on the project itself. However, Keri Rogers and I have been discussing financing options not just on this Water Project, but also how best to maybe refinance another bond that that we have with a slightly higher percentage rate than what is currently available.
 
​
Garfield Road “Hidden Drive” Sign
As most of you have seen on Garfield Road going west from 48th Avenue towards the WWTP is a sign that warns of a hidden drive below the hill. The original sign was placed there decades ago as an obvious warning to slow down because cars may be pulling out of the WWTP drive. Over the years many of our employees have been very nervous about this drive because of “close calls” with vehicles traveling at high rates of speeds. They have often turned right towards 68th Avenue deciding that being hit in the rear of their vehicle was far safer that being tee-boned on their driver’s side.
 
This past summer there were other “close calls” that I experienced, the last being two young girls traveling at a high rate of speed not even looking towards the WWTP drive. This, forced me to slam on the brakes to miss being hit. At this point I had Bryan Buist order and install a flashing LED solar green light in place of the existing sign. Since installing the new sign I haven’t had any near misses but it’s far too early to collect anecdotal data.
 
So why am I informing you of this? Polkton Township has requested the city to turn off the flashing light as it is against local ordinances to have electronic/electrical signs. The Ottawa County Road Commission has also stated we didn’t pull a county sign permit as well. The result of this is, we are going to pay $500 (Special ZBA Meeting) to apply for a variance that would allow this solar powered LED light to be reactivated for the safety of our employees and the public at large.
 
We heard that some individuals find this sign “irritating.” Our reply is, great! It’s supposed to be. It gets your attention and reminds you that MORE attention needs to be paid in the immediate area. Our goal is to present our argument to Polkton Township and if all goes well the variance will be granted and we can turn the sign back on to remind drivers that a hidden drive is very close and to reduce speed and increase your attention. We don’t need a tragedy because the sign was turned off due to its irritating nature.

Reminders on why Coopersville is a great place to live and work can be found in the most unusual places. For instance, the Wall Street Journal had an article about Rio de Janeiro having to shut down nearly 100 miles of traffic lanes to the local residents and businesses to free up those lanes that are “dedicated exclusively to Olympics-accredited vehicles and buses.”  There will be an estimated 500,000 visitors arriving for the Olympic Games in the coming weeks and there will be no way for visitors and athletes alike to move around the city in a timely manner if this was not done; crazy, huh? Our roads and the traffic that occupies them look very, very attractive after all; just an observation.
 
Monday night,  DPW Foreman Bryan Buist will also have the new vacuum/sweeper truck at City Hall for all of us to look, touch, and to gaze at, so come early if at all possible. We also have a special guest on the agenda in which we will make a brief presentation to honor the longevity of one of our own employees. We have a couple of contracts to review and hopefully take action on to begin our new trek into upgrading our IT environment.
 
The forecast looks to be sunny and warm so take advantage as winter is officially only 139 days away as of this writing; so the countdown begins. Relax and be safe out there, wherever “there” is for you. See you Monday night and one last time, we have a workshop to begin the discussion on goal setting for council members which will eventually morph into goal setting for the appointed officials. 


WWTP

The WWTP continues to operate satisfactory with a bit of “outstanding” as the crew does an excellent job of managing the various components of the varied systems. The diffusers are now in the country of the United States, so we’ve been told. Why is this noteworthy? The new diffusers once installed in the aeration pond #1 will allow our blower motors to operate more efficiently and at a reduced percentage of capacity, meaning less power usage. It will also assist the plant to process heavier loads if that becomes an issue. The current diffusers have been in operation since the plant was upgraded in 2012 and are nearing the end of their usefulness.
 
 
Water Project Phase I

I stated in the last memo that we would have something for council in terms of information on bonding in two more weeks. That self-imposed deadline will not be met for a variety of reasons but it is my desire to have a formal proposal to council before Labor Day. The Utility Advisory Committee is meeting next week, August 10, and this is one of the items we will review. As always, I urge everyone on council to contact me if have questions or would like to provide comments regarding this project.
 
 
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

As was stated recently, the city is requesting a new permit that will allow us a couple of options to upgrade the existing WWTP. The second draft is complete with a few comments from staff and sent back to the MDEQ where they will, by state statute, make the document available to the public until early to mid-September. Again and with sincerity, I want to compliment the MDEQ for their timeliness and cooperative spirit in assisting the City of Coopersville in this latest phase of upgrading the WWTP. As always, I will keep you informed of future progress.
 
 
Strategic Planning – A Reminder

For the last few months, the below text was included in your packets. These words still remain as a reminder of future tasks we as a group will ultimately embrace. Some areas you may what to begin thinking about, but certainly not limited to, are:
 
a.Economic development
b.Future recreation facilities
c.Utilization of Deer Creek watershed that runs through the city
d.Future of utility expansion
e.Issues of aesthetics for new construction, parks, and gateways into the city
f.Regional planning
g.Long-term vision for sidewalk maintenance and new construction
h.Bike trails
i.Road Maintenance and Reconstruction Policy
j.Public safety
 
The arrival of our Assistant City Manager Jonathan Seyferth has allowed more attention and time to revise the City’s Master Plan (Comprehensive Plan). I would like to begin exercises in strategic planning from the City Council as to how we want to control the city’s future. Yes, the Planning Commission does extensive work and drafts the Master Plan, and will perform professionally in that task. But the City Council must take action on the approval/disapproval of that plan. According to the ICMA (International City/County Management Association) and Gerald L. Gordon PHD, strategic planning is:
 
“…a means of understanding change, forecasting change, and setting a course of action to manage the expected implications of change. Even in the most negative situations in the life of a community, strategic planning is a positive means of moving forward.”
 
City Council must begin a conversation of where you want the community to grow and what our future will look like in the next five, ten, and twenty-five years. More information will come to you in the next few months.

Have a fantastic weekend, be safe and we’ll see each other Monday night.

WWTP Project Phase II

This week Jonathan Seyferth (ACM), John Barthels (WWTP), David Kuipers (OMM), and I met with the MDEQ (Lansing & Grand Rapids offices), Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at the State of Michigan building in Grand Rapids. The purpose of the meeting was to resolve remaining issues and answer questions regarding the permit the City of Coopersville is requesting for the upgrade to the WWTP to 2.5 MGD (million gallons a day). The MDEQ has communicated they will prioritize this permit application and will make some accommodations to the city such as having the permit cover three separate projects at the WWTP, which is great news. The current timeline is to have the draft permit (for review by the city) by the end of June and the final permit early September. As always, we will keep council updated as new information becomes available.
 
Today, June 9th, Jonathan and I are meeting with Mark Eisenbarth, who is the Muskegon County Administrator, along with CDF and fairlife representatives on the proposed pipeline to the Muskegon WWTP. My understanding of the meeting is to begin the process for this project to commence. Obviously, there are a number of issues to be resolved before a formal agreement is signed but every project has a first step. Please contact me if you have questions or if you have any concerns that I need to address sooner than later.
 
 
Water Project Phase I

This week Keri Rogers (Treasurer), Jonathan Seyferth, and I met with our bond attorney to discuss possible bonding options and to seek information on a financial advisor. Brief review: I am seeking information on bonding costs to construct the entire Water Project – Phase I at roughly $10.2 million. This a starting point and if the numbers are not attractive or workable for the city we can reduce the initial scope of the Water Project to the core essentials and work at a new baseline.
 
Prein&Newhof continues the process of designing the upgrade to the 60th Avenue Booster station. As always, please contact me if you have questions or would like to provide comments.
 
 
Downtown Pocket Park

Jan Richardson and I met with the landscape architect this week to review the initial engineering drawings and answer a few detail questions that still remain. Although this is a DDA project, the construction phase will begin in August and I’m sure many of you on council will receive phone calls and be asked questions regarding the specifics of the project. Like any project, such as the West Randall road reconstruction last year, there will be a few inconveniences. Obviously myself and others associated with the Pocket Park will try and minimize those inconveniences, but there will be inconveniences. I will keep council updated as we move closer to removing asphalt. 
 
 
 
Strategic Planning – A Reminder

For the last few months, the below text was included in your packets. These words still remain as a reminder of future tasks we as a group will ultimately embrace. Some areas you may what to begin thinking about, but certainly not limited to, are:
 
a.Economic development
b.Future recreation facilities
c.Utilization of Deer Creek watershed that runs through the city
d.Future of utility expansion
e.Issues of aesthetics for new construction, parks, and gateways into the city
f.Regional planning
g.Long-term vision for sidewalk maintenance and new construction
h.Bike trails
i.Road Maintenance and Reconstruction Policy
j.Public safety
 
The arrival of our Assistant City Manager Jonathan Seyferth has allowed more attention and time to revise the City’s Master Plan (Comprehensive Plan). I would like to begin exercises in strategic planning from the City Council as to how we want to control the city’s future. Yes, the Planning Commission does extensive work and drafts the Master Plan, and will perform professionally in that task. But the City Council must take action on the approval/disapproval of that plan. According to the ICMA (International City/County Management Association) and Gerald L. Gordon PHD, strategic planning is:
 
“…a means of understanding change, forecasting change, and setting a course of action to manage the expected implications of change. Even in the most negative situations in the life of a community, strategic planning is a positive means of moving forward.”
 
City Council must begin a conversation of where you want the community to grow and what our future will look like in the next five, ten, and twenty-five years. More information will come to you in the next few months.

Congratulations and thank you all for the approval on the 2016-2017 Budget. The budget process can be a stressful challenge especially when difficult choices have to be made. Fortunately, previous councils and staff created a fund balance that allows more flexibility to run a deficit if the “needs” of the community requires such expenditures. The 2016-2017 fiscal year promises to be very productive in terms of road repair, IT upgrades, and more definition on the water and sewer projects; can’t wait until July 1, 2016.
 
Monday night’s agenda has a Public Hearing – CDBG Closeout for Dedicated Forcemain project. Ken Rizzio of Lakeshore Advantage will be in attendance, I believe. We have a Scheduled Guest Matt Fenske, Ottawa County Commissioner, to share the Ottawa County State of the County 2016 presentation. The weather forecast appears to predict warmer temperatures that hopefully resembles summer. Enjoy your weekend and be safe.


WWTP Project Phase II
Friday morning, May 13,  there was a meeting at city hall that included representatives from the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the MDEQ, the MEDC, Lakeshore Advantage, fairlife, CDF, Arlan Meekhof’s Office, two council members and three staff members. The meeting was overall a positive use of time in that all parties expressed an understanding of the waste water issues that fairlife, CDF, and Coopersville were challenged with and the possible remedies that exist. But as with most issues such as these, access to financial resources are the only true means to viable resolutions.
 
More information will be coming as we meet with OMM, and the WWTP staff today to review a possible permanent upgrade to the plant rather than an interim upgrade as was originally planned. There was general agreement at Friday’s meeting that an $850,000 interim upgrade, which would be required to be “turned off” once a permanent solution was found, was probably not the best option fiscally either short-term or long-term.
 
I have already met with Mark Eisenbarth, Muskegon County Administrator, on a possible partnership between Coopersville and Muskegon as instructed. We didn’t discuss specifics but rather more general items of interest and what needs to transpire before a formal agreement can be signed. Currently there is an interest for Muskegon, Coopersville, and CDF to meet before Memorial Day. As always, I will keep you updated as more progress is made.
 
 
 
Water Project Phase I
The waste water issue has consumed a great deal of time and energy as of late, but at least we have real momentum in resolving the varied challenges. My next goal is to bring to council in the next few weeks a viable option to finance the significant water project that has been in the planning stages for months.
 
I have spoken recently about the possibility of splitting the Water Project – Phase I into smaller, less costly projects and addressing each one over a series of years. That may still be the final option taken, but my intent is to find a financial model that encompasses the entire scope of Phase I. Every component of Phase I is required and if there is a means to accomplish 100% of the project, it would be in the best interest of all parties concerned both short and long-term.
 
Prein&Newhof continues the process of designing the upgrade to the 60th Avenue Booster station. 
 
 
Strategic Planning – A Reminder
Two weeks ago the below text was included in your packets. These words still remain as a reminder of future tasks we as a group will ultimately embrace. Some areas you may what to begin thinking about, but certainly not limited to, are:
 

1. Economic development
2. Future recreation facilities
3. Utilization of Deer Creek watershed that runs through the city
4. Future of utility expansion
5. Issues of aesthetics for new construction, parks, and gateways into the city
6. Regional planning
7. Long-term vision for sidewalk maintenance and new construction
8. Bike trails
9. Road Maintenance and Reconstruction Policy
10. Public safety

 
The arrival of our Assistant City Manager Jonathan Seyferth has allowed more attention and time to revise the City’s Master Plan (Comprehensive Plan). I would like to begin exercises in strategic planning from the City Council as to how we want to control the city’s future. Yes, the Planning Commission does extensive work and drafts the Master Plan, and will perform professionally in that task. But the City Council must take action on the approval/disapproval of that plan. According to the ICMA (International City/County Management Association) and Gerald L. Gordon PHD, strategic planning is:
 
“…a means of understanding change, forecasting change, and setting a course of action to manage the expected implications of change. Even in the most negative situations in the life of a community, strategic planning is a positive means of moving forward.”
 
City Council must begin a conversation of where you want the community to grow and what our future will look like in the next five, ten, and twenty-five years.  More information will come to you in the next few months.

Recently the City of Coopersville, the Coopersville Rotary Club, and the NEO Forum organized and hosted an annual event known as “Celebrate Coopersville.” Everyone is, and was welcomed in the community to attend and many did, including Rotary members, city employees, Coopersville Area Public School staff and facility, elected officials from Ottawa County, City Council, the Board of Education, and even elected officials from Lansing. It is a special night where individuals who have demonstrated something unique or have shown a higher level of performance are recognized and awarded in front of the community that has benefited from their involvement. There is a silent auction where money is raised to support the NEO Forum program that has received much praise for its success with our youth and their families as well.
 
For some undefined reason after the event, I began to contemplate seriously about what “Celebrate Coopersville” really stands for and why. It’s obvious that many of us who work for the City of Coopersville have a rather unique view of the city. Yes, we’re responsible for roads, we’re responsible for water and sewer, we’re responsible for community policing, we’re responsible for recreation programs, and we’re responsible for economic development, planning, and many, many more services. We see it from a perspective that involves citizens and business owners but at the end of the day, the city staff is responsible for infrastructure that allows the rest of the community to function. As an example, roads with two feet of snow covering them can serious hinder transportation requirements.

But our unique perspective allows us to witness many other elements that truly is the “glue” which binds everything together into one cohesive community. We have many volunteers that maintain our beautiful landscapes from the Roundabout to Perennial Park. We have volunteers that spread mulch downtown in the spring, saving the DDA significant costs. Rotary picks up trash along the roadways at certain times of the year for beautification. The many, many coaches and other volunteers who are critical to the success of our recreation department’s varied programs. The volunteers who ultimately determine the aesthetics and feel of our community, such as the Planning Commission, the Downtown Development Authority Board, the Recreation Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the countless other volunteers that assist with Del Shannon Days, the Outhouse 500, the Chili Cook-off, Miss Coopersville, the Historical Museum Board, Christmas Parade, etc. The list can literally go on and on.

Thus back to the second paragraph. What does Celebrate Coopersville really mean? For me, it’s something I haven’t really experienced in my earlier life. My family moved often when I was young from California to Michigan, back to California and finally back to the lakeshore near North Muskegon. My sense of community was limited (and even foreign to me) to a certain degree of definition. But Coopersville demonstrates year after year that “community” is much more than a word: it is a way of life; it’s the human glue that binds the community and brings a unique lifestyle that is different from other cities. Not better, for that would be presumptuous and alienating, but it is still unique nevertheless. The blending of individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills creates a special sense of place that anyone who spends enough time here affectionately calls it home.

I have met many people that live in the surrounding townships that call Coopersville their home. They shop, they bank they visit their doctor, lawyer, and insurance agent all in Coopersville. There are many business owners that live elsewhere but ALWAYS attend Coopersville events. Why? Because Coopersville is special, just ask them. I have. They tell me that there is a “can do” attitude here and people come together to make the improbable happen. Think about this next time you travel through the roundabout. When you’re downtown on Main Street, look up at the clock tower. Slow down on Ironwood and visually savor the flowers under the Coopersville sign; count the number of businesses that sponsor recreation next time you’re visiting Vets Park during a softball game.

Celebrate Coopersville? Absolutely! Everyday!

Monday night at 6:00 PM we will have a Budget Workshop prior to the council meeting. Our discussion will focus on more of the details, especially the larger capital equipment expenditures and many of the road maintenance projects. Draft A has us spending in the red over $500,000. We have a fund balance to support it but our job as policy makers and budget engineers is to make decisions on the needs of today in context of the financial future of the city.
 
As always, I wish all of you an enjoyable and safe weekend. Life is short, as they say, and our obligation as beings of awareness is to live it each day, drinking in the beauty as well as the bitterness, if it so happens to get in the way. You got to admit that life can be a lot of fun. 


Water Project Phase I

City Treasurer Keri Rogers and I have met with our bond attorney and have given him a series of tasks as his homework assignment. One of the series of tasks is to analyze what the city’s obligation for a $9.6 million bond and a scaled down version of the Water Project – Phase I, which is closer to $5 million would be for 30 and 40 years. The “how” in which we would pay for the bond is still under discussion and, fortunately for the city, we have a couple of options available for us to consider. Once those numbers are in, I will schedule a workshop to study those options open to us and how best to proceed. 
 
 
WWTP Project Phase II

I believe we are close to making a recommendation to council as to what is the best route, in terms of policy and practice, to accommodate the growth that CDF and Fairlife are experiencing. There are still interested parties coming to the “party” wanting to participate in this project. Staff and I will evaluate as necessitated. As always, I will keep Council and the Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) updated as more information becomes available.
 
 
Strategic Planning

The arrival of our Assistant City Manager Jonathan Seyferth has allowed more attention and time to revise the City’s Master Plan (Comprehensive Plan). I would like to begin exercises in strategic planning from the City Council as to how we want to control the city’s future. Yes, the Planning Commission does extensive work and drafts the Master Plan, and will perform professionally in that task. But the City Council must take action on the approval/disapproval of that plan. According to the ICMA (International City/County Management Association) and Gerald L. Gordon PHD, strategic planning is:
 
“…a means of understanding change, forecasting change, and setting a course of action to manage the expected implications of change. Even in the most negative situations in the life of a community, strategic planning is a positive means of moving forward.”
 
City Council must begin a conversation of where you want the community to grow and what our future will look like in the next five, ten, and twenty-five years. More information will come to you in the next few months.

Real work has begun on the Coopersville 2016-2017 Budget. The many projects and their costs are coming in, ranging from a new basketball court at Vets Park to a more integrated IT design in order to better serve the city and its citizens. Of course, there is the ever lurking Water Project – Phase I and the WWTP upgrade options that require assiduous study and evaluation. The list continues to grow as do the needs and wants of the community. Many of the proposed expenditures will have to be weighed in terms of priority all the while knowing that many will be intentionally delayed due to limited resources. Meaning, there will have to be choices made.
 
Meanwhile, many of us awoke this morning hearing about the bombings in Brussels which have claimed 38 lives and more than 230 wounded at the time of this writing (New York Times). Two bombs exploded at the Brussels’ Airport with a third bomb ripping apart a car of a subway train at the Maelbeek station. The human carnage is reprehensible and is, and should be, the center of attention and the center of our prayers for those victims and their families. There are too many layers of this tragedy to examine especially the human toll, and obviously the global political ramifications that will grow in the forthcoming days, months, and years.  But there are a few observations worth noting and commenting on that provides a bit of perspective in our own lives and the state of this fine city.
 
Lower on the list, and often times under reported, is the loss of property both personal and real. After the human loss and wounded are removed, the aftermath of physical destruction of property has to be addressed.  The transportation aspects of the targets are obvious as is the importance of reconstruction of those targets in terms of their operation and the significant symbolic value of that restoration. There is no choice between repairing the departure terminal at the airport or “something else.” There is no choice between repairing the damage at Maelbeak Station or “something else.” Resources MUST be found to restore the tools that provide a lifestyle and a quality of life for the citizens of Brussels. Reconstruction must take place not only for the continued operation of the respective transportation centers, but for the reconstruction or the attempt to make life in Brussels “normal” again, if that is even possible.
 
Approximately 4,020 miles from Brussels is a place called Coopersville, Michigan. Later the same morning of the bombings in Brussels, people throughout Coopersville were going to work, dropping their children off at school, and business owners were preparing for a full day. City staff was busy answering phones and questions preparing a budget for the city council to review and eventually take action. Will the basketball court be constructed or how much IT upgrades will be approved for next year? Which sidewalks get repaired or built? How much salt and sand should be ordered for next year’s winter? There will be choices made. Many projects will be approved, many will not. But more the question, I wonder if we can consciously appreciate that we don’t have to shift scarce resources to resurrect the wreckage from the barbaric acts of terrorism or bury the dead of family and friends.
 
This morning before I left for city hall, I discovered water in my basement that shouldn’t be there and that the headlight in my truck has a short. Blessed are we…
 
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Wayne Pickler will be presenting the 2016 Report of Assessment Roll Changes. These numbers are in review at the County so if there are changes, which are unlikely, the updated numbers will be shared with Council on Monday evening. Remember we have a Budget Workshop prior to council meeting at 6:00 PM in the training room. This first meeting will be mainly a review of capital projects, preliminary revenues, and the process for eventual approval. 


Moody’s Annual Comments
Keri Rogers and I have received Moody’s Investor Service annual comment on Coopersville. It is included in the Council Info portion of this packet for you reading enjoyment. What is significant to me is that Moody’s rating for General Obligation matches Fitch’s rating. There are many in our business that place more value on Moody’s evaluation and because of that I’m very pleased at this point. If you have any questions on this evaluation and/or is there anything we can do to improve the rating please don’t hesitate to contact me.
 
 
Celebrate Coopersville
A friendly reminder that Thursday, March 24 at 6:00 PM our annual Celebrate Coopersville event will take place at Plumbers Hall; hopefully all of you have made your reservations for a great evening of fun, food, and celebration.
 
http://tinyurl.com/CelebrateCoops2016
 
 
Water Project Phase I
I’m meeting with the Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) this evening to review some information from Prein&Newhof regarding the Water Project – Phase I. I’m also gathering information on the maximum amount the city could bond for if we chose to construct the bulk of the water project. Included in this discussion will be the practicality of also considering the inclusion of a reconstruction of a bridge within the city limits (more on that later). As always please contact me if you have any questions regarding this or any other issue of concern.
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WWTP Project Phase II
As stated above the UAC.  Tonight after our discussion on water projects, we will discuss the current status of the WWTP upgrade. I have been receiving a bit of pressure from parties interested in the WWTP to make a decision on a particular option. My response then and always is whatever decision we make it will be in the best interest of Coopersville, its residents, and business owners. As always, I will keep council and the Utility Advisory Committee updated as more information becomes available.
 
 
2016-2017 Budget
City staff and supervisors have their individual budget requests, including capital expenditures. We’re going to have our first council/staff budget workshop this Monday, March 28 at 6:00 PM in the training room. This workshop will be more of a review of Draft A and where our total projected revenues and expenditures will likely fall. There will be brief discussions on certain capital expenditures and what needs to be done and what project or purchases could wait. I know your schedules are very “tight” but please make every effort to attend.

Sometimes I wish Council members, residents, and business owners could, as they say, “look behind the curtain” to the everyday operations of city government in Coopersville. In my position, I have the privilege of witnessing the various departments operate, from performing daily routine tasks to the myriad emergencies and unexpected challenges that arise during the normal course of providing services to the community. One of those services is providing the mechanism to allow the residents to vote not only in presidential primaries but general elections and various school related elections as well. The amount of time, organization, training, and the physical logistics to properly conduct an election would be overwhelming for many; but not our staff. Thank you to our City Clerk Kim Borgman, Lydia Brown, the many volunteers that manages elections, and the DPW crew that assisted in the set-up of the two precincts. Nicely done.
 
The last couple of weeks we’ve had mechanical and electrical issues with our blower motors at the WWTP. The consequences of not overcoming those challenges could have been disastrous for the functioning of that plant. Through the collective efforts of many, especially Pat Bursley, John Barthels, and the rest of the crew, all three motors and blowers are up and running again. We have a dedicated and resourceful team out there, and we are all very fortunate for that and the daily success that occurs on behalf of the city. Nicely done!
 
I had an unscheduled visit at the DPW site the other day and noticed ALL the vehicles were parked outside. I walked in and noticed the entire floor of the garage had been washed including the steel barrier posts to remove the winter salt; this was done without prompting. Just about every day, the hot asphalt trailer has been used to fill the ever increasing cracks and pot holes that are born from winter’s freeze. The dump/snow plow trucks are clean and waxed along with the various pickup trucks used throughout the city. This shows a sincere respect for the property that has been purchased by the taxpayers of Coopersville.  Bryan, Pat, Jeremy, and Steve have become a very GOOD team. Nicely done.
 
Every day, and I mean every day, I witness the professional, creative, and smart service performed by our administrative staff. The eclectic, complex, unique, and routine issues the staff deals with from walk-ins to telephone requests makes me proud, makes me smile to part of an organization which, for the vast majority of the time, works as a dedicated team and has each other’s back. I wish the community at large knew how fortunate and how lucky they are to have these individuals in place. Thank you all and nicely done!
The expectations of city department heads and their staffs have increased noticeably in the past many months. Most employees push themselves and have a sense of pride about their own work and the work done by their fellow employees. I don’t write these words lightly. This year all the employees were asked to nominate an Employee of the Year to honor at Celebrate Coopersville. I don’t exaggerate when I say that it will be a tough decision in recognizing a single employee as there are many worthy individuals that have earned that honor. It will be tough because residents and business owners have personally thanked me for the professional performance of a number of our employees from all the departments. Feel very proud of our employees, I know I do.


​Water Project Phase I
I’ve instructed Prein&Newhof to prepare a proposal to begin the design and engineering for the 60th Avenue booster station. I received the proposal this afternoon but I’m not including in this packet until I review the details myself and with the Utility Advisory Committee.  As clarification and a reminder, the proposal to inspect the 16 inch water main under the Grand River is no longer being considered for a variety of reasons. As always please contact me if you have any questions on this project or components of the project.
 
 
WWTP Project Phase II
I have received some preliminary numbers from Ottawa County regarding the Grand Rapids option on their proposal to accept waste from Coopersville. I had a number of questions that still need to be researched and answered.  As always, I will keep council and the Utility Advisory Committee updated as more information becomes available.
 
 
Celebrate Coopersville
A friendly reminder that Thursday, March 24 at 6:00 PM our annual Celebrate Coopersville event will take place at Plumbers Hall; hopefully all of you have made your reservations for a great evening of fun, food, and celebration.
 
http://tinyurl.com/CelebrateCoops2016
 
 
2016-2017 Budget
City staff and supervisors are finishing up their individual budget requests, including capital expenditures. We’re going to have our first council/staff budget workshop March 28th at 6:00 PM in the training room. This workshop will be more of a review of Draft A and where our total projected revenues and expenditures will likely fall. There will be brief discussions on certain capital expenditures and what needs to be done and what project or purchases could wait. More on this subject will be forthcoming.
 

Michael Young was the City Manager of Rockford. Michael passed last week due to complications from a stroke; he was 48 years old. He was respected for his accomplishments and successes and I learned a few things from those accomplishments that helped me in my role here. He had his detractors, which is unavoidable in this profession, but he made notable differences nonetheless. While we were professional associates whose paths crossed on occasion at various board meetings and conferences, we were not personally close but we knew of each other’s communities and some of the issues that occupied our attention. I always wanted to tell Michael that I learned a number of valuable lessons from him, but I didn’t, and the opportunity is now lost.
 
I write about this now because his passing reminds me that I need to be more in the moment, to communicate in a timelier manner how much I appreciate the special relationships I have formed over these many years as City Manager both in the community and in my personal life. The opportunity to share with friends, family, and colleagues how much they add value and depth to my life is TODAY, not tomorrow. The moment is ours, tomorrow is not. I must remember this simple truth as I move through my life so there will be fewer lost moments and fewer regrets. Thank you Michael for this lesson and may you be blessed with ever lasting peace. 


20th Anniversary Policing Partnership

Recently I talked with Sheriff Gary Rosema and he expressed a desire to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the relationship between the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Coopersville. Sheriff Rosema subsequently sent me an email that stated, “…Steve, as I had mentioned at the Policy Board,  I would like the opportunity to stop into your first City Council meeting in February 2016.  As you know it is our 20 year anniversary of our policing partnership with the City of Coopersville and what a GREAT partnership it has been.  I truly believe because of Coopersville and the relationships that have had over the years that it has really allowed other communities to move forward in their initiatives as well…”  Monday night we had a brief acknowledgment of the occasion and a few words from Sheriff Rosema and maybe Councilman Bush, as he is the only one standing that was present when the partnership began. What a truly remarkable achievement and I congratulate everyone involved as it took vision, dedication, and WILL to make this experiment a success.


Water Project Phase I
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Information is still being gathered on the feasibility to inspect the interior diameter of the 16 inch water transmission main under the Grand River. Preliminary study is leaning towards not inspecting the line due to the possible need of significant downtime required to complete the inspection. A detailed scope of the project should be finalized by the end of next week.
 
 
WWTP Project Phase II
 
Since our last council meeting, very little action/progress on the WWTP Phase II has been done. Most of my time has been spent on permit issues with CDF and personnel related tasks. My expectations for the next two weeks, is to meet with Utility Advisory Committee and begin discussing in more detail relevant options to pursue in the forthcoming months. As was stated in previous memos, the difficult work of formulating long-term utility policy must take place so we as council and staff have a logical and deliberate course to follow. (1-25-16)